Julian Alaphilippe exit ‘end of an era’ as Soudal boss Patrick Lefevere says he 'didn't want to pay that money anymore'

Soudal Quick-Step’s team manager Patrick Lefevere has been having his say on star rider Julian Alaphilippe’s departure, with the Frenchman joining Tudor Pro Cycling for next season. Alaphilippe raced for Quick-Step for the entirety of his career to date, with his now ex-boss - who at times was critical of the 32-year-old - calling his move the “end of an era."

Highlights: Roglic edges Van Eetvelt to win Stage 4 and claim red jersey

Video credit: TNT Sports

Julian Alaphilippe’s departure from Soudal Quick-Step marks the "end of an era," says the team's boss Patrick Lefevere.

Alaphilippe's exit from the Belgian team he has called home for his whole career didn’t come as much of a surprise, given some of the comments his team boss had made in the previous months.

With Quick-Step building their team around superstar and two-time Olympic gold medallist Remco Evenepoel, the Frenchman’s departure was widely expected, with Fabian Cancellara’s Tudor team winning Alaphilippe's signature for 2025 onwards.

Cycling

Evenepoel set to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, decision met with 'regret'

06/08/2025 at 07:10

But Lefevere has dialled back on some of his previous remarks, instead paying tribute to a man who has been with the team for over a decade.

“We have a very long history together. The little guy came to us very young,” Lefevere said, as reported by Cycling News.

France's Julian Alaphilippe (L) and Belgian General manager of team Etixx - Quick-Step Patrick Lefevere (R) speak during a press conference in Nimes, during a rest day as part of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 22, 2019.

Image credit: Getty Images

“We had a lot of work, but we also had a lot of fun together. It still hurts to see him leave. He was not just a rider, Julian is like a child of the family that you’re giving up.”

Alaphilippe’s previous pedigree speaks for itself, with two world titles, a spell in yellow at the 2019 Tour de France as well as numerous wins in the Spring Classics.

But he has struggled to replicate that form since, until a glimpse of the old Alaphilippe was seen earlier this season in the Giro, when he rode away to a stunning solo victory on Stage 12.

'Julian Alaphilippe is back!' - Watch end to captivating Stage 12

Video credit: TNT Sports

“Julian had two very weak years, 2022 and 2023, and I didn't want to pay that money anymore. He was not a guy racing for a minimum wage,” Lefevere said.

"You can speak of the end of an era. Both for him and for us.

“Julian is a really good guy. I have been tough on him, but I can also say that I have done a lot for him, also privately, when his dad died and so on. That's why I'm glad our relationship remains cordial.”

Alaphilippe has signed a three-year deal with his new team as one of two co-leaders along with Marc Hirschi, and is set to target the Spring Classics first and foremost.

“I dream of returning to the roads of the Tour de France with the team one day, but important races like the Classics come first," Alaphilippe said in a team statement.

"It's a big change but getting back on the winning path with the team will be a great satisfaction and I hope it is the beginning of great things."

As for Soudal Quick-Step, they have already signed Ethan Hayter to their roster for next season, as they continue to build a future centred around Evenepoel - who more than demonstrated his GC pedigree in this year's Tour de France.

Evenepoel shows his emotions as gruelling Tour bow ends with podium spot

Video credit: TNT Sports

Stream the Vuelta a Espana on discovery+

Tour de France

Amid 'hate and disrespect' after Tour exit, what next for Evenepoel?

23/07/2025 at 18:50

Tour de France

Watch 'embarrassing' moment Alaphilippe wrongly celebrates winning

21/07/2025 at 10:15